Winchester Model 1886 26″ Octagonal .40-65 WCF Lever Action Rifle, 1906 C&R
SOLD FOR: $1532
LSB#: 220316CA018
Make: Winchester
Model: 1886
Serial Number: 141069A
Year of Manufacture: 1906
Caliber: .40-65 WCF (Winchester Center Fire)
Action Type: Lever Action with Full-Length Tubular Magazine
Markings: The top of the barrel is marked “MANUFACTURED BY THE / WINCHESTER REPEATING ARMS CO. NEW HAVEN, CONN.” and at the receiver with “40-65 W.C.F.”. The chamber ring and the top-rear of the barrel each have an ovalled “WP” proof. The upper tang is marked “MODEL 1886 / WINCHESTER / TRADE MARK”. The lower tang is marked -“PAT. OCT. 14.1884. / JAN. 20.1885”- and “141069 A”.
Barrel Length: 26?, Octagonal
Sights / Optics: The front sight is a german silver blade in a slotted base dovetailed and screw-set to the front of the barrel. The rear sight is a “V”-notch semi-buckhorn elevator sight dovetailed to the rear of the barrel, the notch is fine-adjustable for elevation. The top tang is drilled, tapped and filled for a tang sight (none included).
Stock Configuration & Condition: The stocks are two-piece smooth walnut with capped forend, straight grip, straight comb and crescent steel buttplate. The stocks have scattered nicks, dings, scuffs and scratches. There is a more notable ding in the comb. There is dark discoloration around and behind the tangs. There are no chips or cracks. The LOP measures 13 1/4? from the front of the trigger to the back of the buttplate. The plate has very minor surface erosion scattered throughout and scattered light wear. Overall, the stocks are in about Very Good condition.
Type of Finish: Blue
Finish Originality: Original
Bore Condition: The bore bore has been re-lined and is counter-bored at the muzzle. The bore is mostly bright with sharp rifling. There is infrequent minor erosion in the bore.
Overall Condition: This rifle retains about 45% of its metal finish. Strongest remaining finish is in the magazine tube which has a patch of discoloration and odd wear 4-5″ in front of the forend. This area shows discoloration from oxidation and an uneven surfaces, appearing to have had a dent pressed out. The barrel has some remaining finish, mottled with light patina. The receiver has mostly worn to white or gone to a light patina. There are scattered light nicks, scuffs and scratches with a few more notable nicks on edges of the barrel and on the bottom-left above the worn area on the magazine tube. The screw heads range from sharp to tool marked with strong slots. The markings are clear. Overall, this rifle is in Good-Very Good condition.
Mechanics: The action functions correctly. The hammer has a half-cock notch. We have not fired this rifle. As with all used firearms, a thorough cleaning may be necessary to meet your maintenance standards.
Box, Paperwork & Accessories: None.
Our Assessment: Winchester’s first attempt at a lever action rifle capable of handling a rifle cartridge was the Model 1876, which was a heavier framed version of the Model 1873. However, the toggle-link action used in the gun was still limited to short cartridges like the .40-60 and .45-60 Win. The Model 1886 was made to handle longer cartridges like the .45-70 Govt., and the .45-90 Win. and .50-110 Win. cartridges. The Model 1886 utilized a locked-bolt action that was much strong than the M1876, and some think it is faster and smoother as well. The Winchester Model 1886 was touted as a lever action express model, capable of handling any of the North American game animals. This rifle is chambered for .40-65 WCF, first offered in this model in 1887, and has a 26? octagonal barrel. The rifle was made in 1906, and appears to have seen its share of use in the field. It has had its bore re-lined, retaining sharp rifling and showing infrequent minor erosion. There also appears to have been some work done on the magazine tube. The rifle is in Good-Very Good overall condition and should still be a great shooter for the lucky winner. This rifle has seen some honest wear, but the action still functions and it would be a great gun to round out a Winchester collection or get back out into the field. Please see our photos and good luck!